The award recognises people actively involved in helping to protect the environment for future generations.

“Time is running out and political decisions are slow in coming,” Prince Albert II said.

“That is why, to encourage them, speed them up and support them, we more than ever need bold initiatives and an audacity of spirit, like those we are honouring this evening.

“This is the whole meaning of today's ceremony – to encourage and support, to highlight that it is possible to do something.

“In view of the urgency of this action, our primary duty is to regain hope. This is the purpose of this Foundation and its commitment worldwide.”

UQ President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Høj said the award was well-deserved.

“Professor Hoegh-Guldberg was among the first to raise the alarm about the seriousness of climate change and its impact on coral reefs, in a landmark paper published in 1999,” Professor Høj said.

“Since then he has worked tirelessly to improve understanding of how humans impact marine ecosystems, focusing on how global climate change might affect communities and industries dependent on these ecosystems.

“Professor Hoegh-Guldberg epitomises the University’s goal to conduct research that has genuine impact.

“His impressive research career is matched by his commitment to increasing awareness of climate change, both here and abroad.”

Professor Hoegh-Guldberg said he was delighted to receive the award.

“Being presented this award by Prince Albert is a true honour, and I feel deeply humbled to have been recognised in this way,” he said.

“I am extremely privileged as I genuinely love the work that I do.”

“I’m committed to tackling global issues such as climate change so that future generations can continue to enjoy the ocean and environment.”

Professor Hoegh-Guldberg is one of the world’s most cited academic authors on climate change, with more than 15,000 scientific citations.

He was Coordinating Lead Author for the oceans chapter of the recently published Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, has been awarded the prestigious Eureka Prize for scientific research, and is a member of the Australian Academy of Science.

Professor Hoegh-Guldberg is travelling to Washington DC to celebrate his award with UQ alumni.